KAZO — Residents of Kazo Muganzirwaza Village in Nansana Municipality have asked local authorities to promptly collect garbage gathered during the national cleaning exercise, warning that the waste could become a health hazard if left unattended.
The residents joined the government-led Bulungi Bwansi sanitation campaign on Saturday, clearing roads, drainage channels and public spaces across the community.
By the end of the exercise, heaps of collected garbage had accumulated along several roadsides as residents waited for municipal authorities to remove it.
Kazo Muganzirwaza Village chairperson Ismael Kigozi commended residents for their participation, describing the exercise as a success.
"The sanitation exercise has been very successful. It was long overdue because many people had become careless about keeping their surroundings clean," Kigozi said.
He said areas that were previously littered with waste had improved following the commitment shown by residents during the clean-up.
However, Kigozi urged Nansana Municipality to collect the garbage before it starts decomposing and exposes residents to diseases.
"Residents should not be required to pay for the removal of the garbage collected during this exercise because they already pay for the waste generated from their homes. The municipality should collect this waste before it starts decomposing and exposing people to diseases," he said.
Resident Hussein Matovu welcomed the government initiative, saying the mandatory exercise would help communities develop a culture of cleanliness.
"Although the exercise is mandatory, it is a good initiative because it helps keep our villages clean and creates a healthier environment for everyone," Matovu said.
Some residents, however, criticised neighbours who failed to participate, saying village leaders had to move from house to house to compel some people to join the exercise.
They urged government to maintain the nationwide sanitation campaign and enforce penalties against individuals who deliberately refuse to clean their surroundings.
The residents said sustained community participation, alongside proper garbage collection by authorities, would be essential in improving public health and maintaining cleaner neighbourhoods.
